Program Update:
Update on DEA Capacity Grant Funds
On May 9, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) notified the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, administering entity for the Digital Equity Act (DEA) Capacity Grant Program, that its $14.1 million grant to Massachusetts was terminated. Similar termination notices were sent to all DEA Capacity Grant Program awardees.
With this funding, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) opened the new Launchpad Program and expanded the Municipal Digital Equity Planning and Implementation Programs. These programs are suspended until further notice.
The DEA Capacity Grant Program, created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, includes $1.44 billion in funding to all 50 States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. We are deeply disappointed in the Trump administration’s decision to halt this invaluable program.
MBI is reviewing and will share additional information when available.
Overview
Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is committed to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet to every home in Massachusetts.
The need for broadband in the 21st century is often compared to the need for electricity or phone service in previous centuries. Connectivity is a foundational pillar of a competitive economy. Broadband and Digital Inclusion are essential to fully participate in modern life and critically important for our future prosperity. Achieving Internet for All will empower everyone in the state to fully engage in their communities and realize their full potential.
State Digital Equity Plan
MBI is the state's leading agency for broadband connectivity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $147 million to Massachusetts to expand high-speed internet access and digital equity programming across the state. The first step to deploying these funds was developing a strong plan, informed by organizational stakeholders and residents of Massachusetts. Over the last year, MBI led a planning effort that resulted in the development of two guiding planning documents – a Statewide Digital Equity Plan and what is known as the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These two documents create the Massachusetts Internet for All Plan.
A Public Comment Period was facilitated in the fall of 2023 and the final State Digital Equity Plan has been approved by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).